Bathroom Etiquette

Have you ever been in a public restroom when your cell phone begins to ring? What do you do? I don't answer the phone in the bathroom at home...do I answer it here?

I know years ago, before the cell phone era, this wasn't something any of us thought about. Therefore, we haven't had our mothers to teach us whats appropriate and what is not, because at times it is them that are making these blunders.

I was in a public restroom earlier this evening, when in walked a teenager and her mother. The teenager was talking and singing from within the walls of the stall next to me, while her mother was pacing back and forth tapping on stall doors, mine included. When suddenly, her cell phone began to ring. I don't think she gave it any thought before answering it. Maybe she was okay with the fact that it was her daughter in the stall, and that whoever she was talking to was someone she is comfortable with. NEVER mind the fact that I happened to be in the room as well.

So Thank You! Thank You very much to the lady and her teenage daughter in the Sears bathroom on Friday night. Not only was I naturally uncomfortable in a public restroom (being a very private person, AND a germaphobe), but I was completely mortified and embarassed!

Next time, take your phone call outside. It was bad enough that you were rude enough to be tapping on my stall door for no good reason. If I had been able to get the toilet to flush fast enough, I would have interrupted your phone call right there then and there. But because I wasn't quick enough on the draw, may you someday find yourself in a private situation with an audience you did not invite!